Contradiction with Proverbs 24:17
Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth. This instruction is similar to Proverbs 24:18, not a contradiction.
Proverbs 24:17: Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:
Contradiction with Matthew 5:44
Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you. This verse promotes loving and blessing enemies rather than the potential punishment mentioned in Proverbs 24:18.
Matthew 5:44: But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
Contradiction with Romans 12:20
Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink. This verse suggests caring for your enemy, rather than focusing on their punishment.
Romans 12:20: Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
Contradiction with Exodus 23:4-5
If thou meet thine enemy's ox or ass going astray, thou shalt surely bring it back to him again. These verses emphasize helping your enemy contrary to the fear of rejoicing in their downfall.
Exodus 23:4-5: If thou meet thine enemy's ox or his ass going astray, thou shalt surely bring it back to him again.
Contradiction with Luke 6:27
But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you. This teaching encourages doing good to enemies over concern about rejoicing over their calamity.
Luke 6:27: But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,
Paradox #1
Proverbs 24:18 suggests that being happy when your enemy falls might anger the Lord, which seems to conflict with other scriptures that celebrate justice and the downfall of the wicked. This creates a tension between wanting justice and maintaining a humble and compassionate heart.
Paradox #2
The moral conflict in Proverbs 24:18 could be about the challenge of reconciling the idea of not rejoicing or being happy when an enemy fails, with the natural human feeling of satisfaction or relief when someone who has caused harm faces consequences. It can be hard for people to resist feeling glad about justice or karma, which seems to conflict with the moral teaching not to gloat or take joy in others' misfortunes.